It is hearbreaking to watch the movie Waiting for Superman. Does a child have the right to education? YES! Every child has the right to an education. An important message from this movie is that failing neighborhoods are a result of failing schools. As Dr. Pedro Noguero had illustrated in his important lecture, improving education will improve the lives of individuals, families, and bring well-being to communities.
Another important point that we should all think about is that we need GOOD teachers that CARE about the students. Bad teachers! What! "The Lemon Dance." "The Rubber Room." Wow! The students are receiving a "crappy" education and teachers can do something about it. Teachers who have tenure can do whatever they want besides teach the kids and they receive the maximum pay and benefits. As Hilary Swank's character portrayed in another movie, Freedom Writers, a teacher who cares can go the distance to help her students in making personal sacrifices. We do need teachers that teach 150%.
Finally, there are so much policies, "conflicting agendas," and people who want to "help" but are just said to make the progress of reforming education difficult and at a standstill. I learned of one aspect of this issue during my first semester in the Education program. We had a guest speaker from Leeward Community College. She was a freshman composition teacher for many years--about 20 years--and she shared her frustration on administrators poking their noses and what they think is right for the students without considering the teachers, who actually know what is going on in the classrooms.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
An Informal and Short Survey on Meaning of Education Finance
When I decided to take the course on Education Finance, my initial reaction or thoughts about what they course would entail for the semester were tuition, fees, scholarships, and loans. I posted on Facebook to ask of Facebook'ers on their own initial reaction when they "hear" the words "education finance." So far, only 6 people have responded to the post, and their response basically share the same points as I had. One person simply said FAFSA. Most said tuition, loans, debts, scholarships. One mentioned tuition but for her kids while one person also mentioned how "stupid" the allocation of aid to students. This person who mentions the allocation of aid, now that I've taken this course, may or may not know it but he is concerned int he policies governing these scholarships and grants.
I have mentioned about scholarships and grants provided by my home island, and with some sort of understanding of these policies, role of government and other organizations in the financing of education, I come to see that I have a sort of clearer insight of what's going on with these grants or government provided educational funding. For the grant I have been anxiously waiting for, I believe policies and bureaucratic aspects that are prolonging the process. Other students who have been waiting for their award are frustrated and worried about problems that may be similar to mine: dis-enrollment, financial holds on their student records, and discontinuation or postponing their education. I am frustrated but somehow, understanding or having a slight idea of what's going on, I seem to sit patiently and wait...well...because HOW OR WHAT CAN I DO! I am not the policy make and have no influence in the minds, decisions, or behaviors of the policy makers and board who are involved. To them, I'm just an applicant at my knees waiting for their say. I just want to reach in their and find out what really is going on!
Reading and learning about need-based policies involved in the FAFSA made me take a second look at the Compact of Free Association with the US and Palau. I need to make other students like me from Palau understand what's going on. Maybe then they will know how to approach their own application process and the boards and Ministry of Education...and probably want to do something about it!
I have mentioned about scholarships and grants provided by my home island, and with some sort of understanding of these policies, role of government and other organizations in the financing of education, I come to see that I have a sort of clearer insight of what's going on with these grants or government provided educational funding. For the grant I have been anxiously waiting for, I believe policies and bureaucratic aspects that are prolonging the process. Other students who have been waiting for their award are frustrated and worried about problems that may be similar to mine: dis-enrollment, financial holds on their student records, and discontinuation or postponing their education. I am frustrated but somehow, understanding or having a slight idea of what's going on, I seem to sit patiently and wait...well...because HOW OR WHAT CAN I DO! I am not the policy make and have no influence in the minds, decisions, or behaviors of the policy makers and board who are involved. To them, I'm just an applicant at my knees waiting for their say. I just want to reach in their and find out what really is going on!
Reading and learning about need-based policies involved in the FAFSA made me take a second look at the Compact of Free Association with the US and Palau. I need to make other students like me from Palau understand what's going on. Maybe then they will know how to approach their own application process and the boards and Ministry of Education...and probably want to do something about it!
'Boost education in Micronesia, Marshalls
Again, here is another article on the issue of Micronesians overwhelming the systems in Hawaii and other locations. The Star Advertiser published an article titled "GAO: Boost Education in Micronesia, Marshalls." In the article, the author proposes that more US grant money be directed towards improving health care and education system in the Micronesia and Marshall island nations. Micronesian island nations would include the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the FSM, which consist of the island states of Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap, and Kosrae. In addition, Gov. Abercrombie is also stating that Hawaii needs help in sustaining the health care and education system provided for the Micronesians here in Hawaii.
In the article, the author is highlighting two proposals in which grant money would be provided directly to the Micronesians islands and their health care and education in addition to directing federal aid to Hawaii's health care and education system. The Micronesian islands are receiving federal aid from the US for the purpose of improving health and education in the island nations. However, it is a more complex matter in which these two aspects of human well-being will prevent the mass of population migration to Hawaii, Guam, and the continental US. The author fails to realize that the island nations are adapting to a westernized way of living. Monetary aid will definitely improve the lives of the people, but there might be more to the migration of the people. The author should realize that this will be a gradual and slow progress towards reducing the population of Micronesians in Hawaii and other parts of the US. This is easier said/written than done.
The author really should do more research into this situation.
For example, in one case, Djou exaggerated on his perspectives on the Micronesian people in an interview with students on the homelessness in Hawaii. I was very heartbroken and upset about his comments because not all Micronesians are moving to Hawaii for the purpose of welfare! And Djou, a big figure here in Hawaii, may have influenced these students with his perspectives. He should've done more research or gain more knowledge about the people before building on more negative stereotypes on Micronesian people. As a Palauan, I sometimes question myself whether I should identify myself as a Micronesian. Will I get a good job outside of Palau if I identified myself as a Micronesian? This is an example of how I become concerned about my own identity and culture. Simply financing education or providing more grant to serve a goal of quality education is part of the solution. Understand the situation and issue, then maybe we can find the solution to the root of the problem and work our way from there.
In the article, the author is highlighting two proposals in which grant money would be provided directly to the Micronesians islands and their health care and education in addition to directing federal aid to Hawaii's health care and education system. The Micronesian islands are receiving federal aid from the US for the purpose of improving health and education in the island nations. However, it is a more complex matter in which these two aspects of human well-being will prevent the mass of population migration to Hawaii, Guam, and the continental US. The author fails to realize that the island nations are adapting to a westernized way of living. Monetary aid will definitely improve the lives of the people, but there might be more to the migration of the people. The author should realize that this will be a gradual and slow progress towards reducing the population of Micronesians in Hawaii and other parts of the US. This is easier said/written than done.
The author really should do more research into this situation.
For example, in one case, Djou exaggerated on his perspectives on the Micronesian people in an interview with students on the homelessness in Hawaii. I was very heartbroken and upset about his comments because not all Micronesians are moving to Hawaii for the purpose of welfare! And Djou, a big figure here in Hawaii, may have influenced these students with his perspectives. He should've done more research or gain more knowledge about the people before building on more negative stereotypes on Micronesian people. As a Palauan, I sometimes question myself whether I should identify myself as a Micronesian. Will I get a good job outside of Palau if I identified myself as a Micronesian? This is an example of how I become concerned about my own identity and culture. Simply financing education or providing more grant to serve a goal of quality education is part of the solution. Understand the situation and issue, then maybe we can find the solution to the root of the problem and work our way from there.
Federal Grants Provided for Palau Community College
Data on grants awarded to PCC students show that students fully fund their education at Palau Community College (PCC) through grant money provided by the United States Federal Grant made possible through the Compact of Free Association between the Republic of Palau and the United States. Basically, the students are attending the community college for free. During my year as a student at Palau Community College in 2004, I did not have to pay tuition from my own pockets--or should I say my family's own pockets. At the end of the semester, I would, however, receive a refund of nearly $500. The grant money awarded by FAFSA during my time enrolled at PCC was approximately $2000 a semester. I believe cost per credit during this time was $70. In addition to tuition fees, there were other fees that included student fees and cost of books and supplies that were added to the total tuition fee for a student. The grant money covered all the expenses, and I even received the money left over to save in my savings account in the bank.
Since then, cost of education at PCC has gone up to about $3000 per student. Again, students receive about $5000 in federal grant to cover education cost. It seems the tuition rise is determined in relation to federal grants provided for Palau Community College by the United States.
This year, PCC's college newsletter featured an article report on PCC's reaffirmed accreditation. In the article, "Warning Lifted Accreditation Reaffirmed", the college had to address four recommendations by ACCJC: "Improving Institutional Effectiveness, Library and Learning Support Services, Human Resources, Leadership and Governance."
Well, if PCC is not an accredited college, then it would not receive federal funding from the US. The US government seeking to ensure the federal funds and grants are being spent by colleges responsibly rely on accreditation organizations to do the work for them...to ensure the federal funds are being used effectively to improve quality of education offered at institutions. As you read throughout the article piece, there are other financial resources other than the federal funds provided by members of the community and organizations, including foreign organizations. Learning from finance class, there is a great importance in the diversity of revenues or financial resources for institutions. In the case of the students' funding education primarily by federal grants, is the institution providing other types of scholarships for students? In a case where federal grants will be decreased, will students have other sources of grants or funds to look towards? I know of the Faculty Senate Scholarship that provides a few hundred dollars to students from all over Micronesia who plan on or are attending PCC.
Since then, cost of education at PCC has gone up to about $3000 per student. Again, students receive about $5000 in federal grant to cover education cost. It seems the tuition rise is determined in relation to federal grants provided for Palau Community College by the United States.
This year, PCC's college newsletter featured an article report on PCC's reaffirmed accreditation. In the article, "Warning Lifted Accreditation Reaffirmed", the college had to address four recommendations by ACCJC: "Improving Institutional Effectiveness, Library and Learning Support Services, Human Resources, Leadership and Governance."
Well, if PCC is not an accredited college, then it would not receive federal funding from the US. The US government seeking to ensure the federal funds and grants are being spent by colleges responsibly rely on accreditation organizations to do the work for them...to ensure the federal funds are being used effectively to improve quality of education offered at institutions. As you read throughout the article piece, there are other financial resources other than the federal funds provided by members of the community and organizations, including foreign organizations. Learning from finance class, there is a great importance in the diversity of revenues or financial resources for institutions. In the case of the students' funding education primarily by federal grants, is the institution providing other types of scholarships for students? In a case where federal grants will be decreased, will students have other sources of grants or funds to look towards? I know of the Faculty Senate Scholarship that provides a few hundred dollars to students from all over Micronesia who plan on or are attending PCC.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
How does financing education affect the way of living for families?
My true story....
So...there should be a study that examines how families are affected by tuition costs. Does paying tuition and financing expenses related to attending college have indirect or direct affects on the families of the student who attend college, especially lower income families? Families at a much lower socioeconomic status who support their children in attending to college may have to sacrifice themselves in order to help their children earn the college degree.
For me, my family, I feel is doing just this. I feel that whenever they can spare some money, they always think of me first. Although, I am always hesistant to take the money, and I manage not to! However, this semester, my financial situation has not improved in the last two weeks and the government grant is still up in the air! So out of my reach! Anyway...my impatience about the grant is not the point of this blog, but the point is about the families who support their chidlren to college even if they can't afford it.
How is the way of living affected by the tuition increases for these families? I guess I just began thinking about this. it would be interesting to find out what these families are going through.
Article(s) about how college is affecting families choices and way of living.
"Older Parents Preparing to Pay 3 Tuition Bills"
So...there should be a study that examines how families are affected by tuition costs. Does paying tuition and financing expenses related to attending college have indirect or direct affects on the families of the student who attend college, especially lower income families? Families at a much lower socioeconomic status who support their children in attending to college may have to sacrifice themselves in order to help their children earn the college degree.
For me, my family, I feel is doing just this. I feel that whenever they can spare some money, they always think of me first. Although, I am always hesistant to take the money, and I manage not to! However, this semester, my financial situation has not improved in the last two weeks and the government grant is still up in the air! So out of my reach! Anyway...my impatience about the grant is not the point of this blog, but the point is about the families who support their chidlren to college even if they can't afford it.
How is the way of living affected by the tuition increases for these families? I guess I just began thinking about this. it would be interesting to find out what these families are going through.
Article(s) about how college is affecting families choices and way of living.
"Older Parents Preparing to Pay 3 Tuition Bills"
Thursday, November 3, 2011
My Own Educational...um..Demise?: Update on un-Updated News on my Gov't Grant
So...I will share with you my issue! I promise I will try not to be a drama queen! I am just trying to understand what is going on with my situation with Palau's Ministry of Education government grant in relation to what I have learned and heard about policies, grants, the government, economy, and higher education institutions....
I have been very stupid over these almost two years in grad school by not having a diverse source of financing of my education. I have been reliant on a single government grant from Palau's Ministry of Education. As a result, if that money stops coming, I'm doomed! I will have to postpone my education. I thought I was smart this semester, so I applied to another government grant! HOWEVER, this other grant has not responded with any updates in regards to whether I am to receive any piece of the pie. I was told that disbursement of the grant will occur during the end of October, but it is now beginning of November. Hm?
I am trying to imagine what is going on that is resulting in the hold-up:
Policy-wise, there may exist inconsistent policies guiding the process of selecting eligible applicants, determining the amount of award to each applicant, and other policies to regulate the grants and applicants' accountability.
Bureaucracy-wise, there may be various individuals involved, including the board members and the minister, in which paperwork and authorization and whatever else occurs within the processing these government grants must pass through before the final state, approval, and, finally, awarding.
Applicant-wise, can it be possible that there's a hold-up in the process because the board committee, the minister, and other involved are having a hard time determining an eligible applicants to receive the grants? So far, the application only ask for the student's academic background, college level and field of study, and student's college level--undergraduate or graduate. I wonder what determines an eligible applicant:
college level: a graduate student may be a more potential human capital since he/she may have gained more skills and knowledge in his/her field of study as they have invested more time in college. However, graduate students pay higher tuition so that means more money for them...but this is not necessary. Maybe they will see graduate students as more able to find a job so that they can finance their education using their earnings in addition to grants. Therefore, maybe graduate students may receive a smaller portion of the grant money. In addition, undergraduate students may have preference over graduate students because the government of whoever is administering and creating the policies see undergraduate students as representative of a larger number of Palauan students attending universities.
Field of study: does your major determine whether you even receive any piece of the pie, cake, tart, or cookie! The Ministry of Education may have preference over students whose field of studies are seen to benefit Palau. Hm! I really hope my home island values education!
Give me some money so I can come home to teach our kids to apply to more than one scholarship! Please!
OK. Here is the link to the Palau College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) from Palau's Ministry of Education if you want to find out a little more about the grant.
I have been very stupid over these almost two years in grad school by not having a diverse source of financing of my education. I have been reliant on a single government grant from Palau's Ministry of Education. As a result, if that money stops coming, I'm doomed! I will have to postpone my education. I thought I was smart this semester, so I applied to another government grant! HOWEVER, this other grant has not responded with any updates in regards to whether I am to receive any piece of the pie. I was told that disbursement of the grant will occur during the end of October, but it is now beginning of November. Hm?
I am trying to imagine what is going on that is resulting in the hold-up:
Policy-wise, there may exist inconsistent policies guiding the process of selecting eligible applicants, determining the amount of award to each applicant, and other policies to regulate the grants and applicants' accountability.
Bureaucracy-wise, there may be various individuals involved, including the board members and the minister, in which paperwork and authorization and whatever else occurs within the processing these government grants must pass through before the final state, approval, and, finally, awarding.
Applicant-wise, can it be possible that there's a hold-up in the process because the board committee, the minister, and other involved are having a hard time determining an eligible applicants to receive the grants? So far, the application only ask for the student's academic background, college level and field of study, and student's college level--undergraduate or graduate. I wonder what determines an eligible applicant:
college level: a graduate student may be a more potential human capital since he/she may have gained more skills and knowledge in his/her field of study as they have invested more time in college. However, graduate students pay higher tuition so that means more money for them...but this is not necessary. Maybe they will see graduate students as more able to find a job so that they can finance their education using their earnings in addition to grants. Therefore, maybe graduate students may receive a smaller portion of the grant money. In addition, undergraduate students may have preference over graduate students because the government of whoever is administering and creating the policies see undergraduate students as representative of a larger number of Palauan students attending universities.
Field of study: does your major determine whether you even receive any piece of the pie, cake, tart, or cookie! The Ministry of Education may have preference over students whose field of studies are seen to benefit Palau. Hm! I really hope my home island values education!
Give me some money so I can come home to teach our kids to apply to more than one scholarship! Please!
OK. Here is the link to the Palau College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) from Palau's Ministry of Education if you want to find out a little more about the grant.
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